Functional or Reverse Chronological Resume?

Question

I am helping my sister with her resume and am unsure whether to leave it as a functional resume or if I should switch it to a reverse chronological. I believe I can better present her experience in the functional (it's actually more of a combination) format, but I know that it is a deterrant for some recruiters.
I realize that functional resumes can be seen as an attempt to hide deficiencies or irregularities in employment history. My sister has an honors bachelor's degree in English, and is looking for a writing/editing type job. She completed her degree a year ago (after several years) but worked while completing her degree part time. She only has one substantially relevant job experience, and the job title does not accurately reflect her responsibilities. I am concerned that if she lists her work experience and education first, then recruiters will see those points first (one year since graduation, and an irrelevant job title), and not proceed to see her true skills/experience

Answer 1

The resume isn't the difficult part, it will be the interveiw. It may not matter if her job experience is irrelevant in terms of duties. If she can articulate that the experience she gained in previous employment will be benefical to her where she is seeking employment,(e.g. Responsibilty, Communication Skills written&oral, Problem solving, flexibility, inventiveness, self directed focused on results, cooperative efforts, and depth of knowledge-she went to school for that!) she will be just fine.

Answer 2

as an employment counsellor, I would suggest keeping her resume as functional. This would be the best way to incorporate her minimal work experience and education in a way that accents her positive attributes and does not focus on her irrelevantt job.
If you left the resume as a reverse chronological, I would focus more on the profile and education section and leave the job description very minimal.

Answer 3

This is my resume, it helped me get into the HR field (my current job not listed). Just out of school or new fields are better functional. So, you are doing the right thing.

Profile: Well-rounded background in human resources procedures, office management, front-line supervision, training, safety, and resolving complex employee issues.

Relevant Experience
•Excellent experience in developing and implementing departmental objectives.
•Skilled in developing and maintaining department budgets.
•Ability to direct complex projects from concept to fully operational status.
•Experienced in writing and delivering presentations.
•Full understanding of employment law.

Work HistorySupervisor of Solid Waste, Town of Front Royal, Front Royal, VA6/05 -Present
•Created short- and long-term department objectives in accordance with the Town’s goals.
•Developed and administer safety and communications training program, which were used as a guideline to develop training for the other Public Works Departments.
•Investigated accidents and developed plans to prevent further incidents
•Supervised a crew of 18 including; interviewing, employee evaluations, distribute daily work orders, orientation, and training.
•Maintained MSDS book to ensure all information was current.
•Prepared monthly, quarterly, and yearly reports regarding finances and waste volume.
•Develop yearly budgetary forecasts for the sanitation department and ensured forecasts meet approved guidelines.


Office Manager, Bell Roofing & Maintenance, Trenton, NJ11/01 – 12/04
•Initiated new tracking system to follow up on warranty repairs to ensure customer satisfaction.
•Developed and implemented all human resource procedures.
•Recruited and retained sub-contractors and administrative staff.
•Distributed work orders and assigned daily schedules.
•Accounts payable and receivable using QuickBooks.
•Provided operational assistance to all pending contracts to ensured compliance with state and local licensing requirements.
•Drafted written correspondence and contracts.
Customer Service Rep., Executive Property Management, Princeton NJ9/00 – 10/01
•Provided all aspects of administrative assistance to property manager.
•Organized social functions and invoice rentals for the Club House.
•Provided customer service to prospective homeowners and present homeowners using all mediums of communications.
•Performed routine maintenance inspections.
EducationUndergraduate Studies in Human Resource Management
Strayer University / Lord Fairfax Community College, Virginia (Duel Enrollment)

Paralegal Certificate
Hagerstown Community College, Maryland

Business Communications Certificate
Mercer County Community College, New Jersey2004 –Current

05/05

01/02

OtherNotary Public, Virginia

VDOT Flagger Certificate

OSHA 10-Hour Training Certificate